Therapy Dog Registries?

[MonicaBH]

Clyde had his first of three evaluations for Therapy Dogs Incorporated this morning, and I am curious about a few things that maybe someone can answer for me.

1.) Are there any significant differences between Delta Society, TDI & TDInc? Are there other registries?

2.) Is one registry better than the other?

3.) Can you be registered with more than one or all three? Would there be reasoning for that?

I think those are all of the questions I have for now. I'm sure I'll come up with more.

BTW, Clyde did well this morning. We went to a middle school where we saw the mentally retarded children. The first classroom were "profoundly retarded", and I was somewhat anxious about this; Clyde has rare exposure to children in general, so kids in helmets that freak out and make sudden movements were a first. He did amazing! He enjoyed the heck out of the kids. The second classroom were more functional children. Clyde accidentally knocked two markers off of one child's desk, and she was very upset about it. That was the only major mishap. He was being awfully naughty with pulling the lead today. It's my fault, though, since I overslept and didn't walk him before we left. Next time we go is the 3rd Monday in May, and we're going to a nursing home... after a very long walk and some serious ball fetching! (We live by the motto "a tired dog is a good dog".)

[targonrotts]

there are a few registries out there other than the 3 you mentioned.
these are the most common 3 we hear from the most(at least in my neck of the woods).

main differences i would say is the testing methods and requirements.
TDInc requires a test and 3 observed visits. TDInternational is like a more advanced CGC. Delta does have a more rigorous testing, i hear.

you need only be registered with one for the insurance coverage. i belong to TDInc and in our rules if you are under our name during the visit, you are only to wear our ID tag for insurance coverage reasons.

i am glad you are looking into therapy dogs. it is a great thing to do.
we do once a week mostly...except during show season it becomes every other week.
we do hospitals and occassionally schools or special events/nursing homes.

[2rotties2luv]

Thank you for your efforts in canine therapy work - there is a great need for therapy dogs. Rotties can make wonderful therapy dogs as many have a calm, confident and friendly temperment and can read humans really well. I was blessed to have had two rotties who were therapy dogs.

Delta Society requires the handler to complete a home study course in addition to the evaluation testing of the dog and the handler. The course teaches the handler how to approach different situations and how to handle the dog in different settings and situations. I found this very helpful. Their evaluation and testing is rather difficult. They also require you to renew your registration every two years, which includes going through the evaluation each time. It keeps you on your toes.

[MonicaBH]

Yeah, I am glad we're doing this too.

I met the evaluator at PetFest on April 11. She asked what my intentions were, why I wanted to do therapy work. My response to her was so that my dog could make others as happy as he makes me. :)

I also forgot to mention that one of the dogs that were being evaluated yesterday (other than Clyde and a Belgian malinois) was a 2 y/o intact male "German rottweiler". Since I don't want to make waves while trying to become a therapy dog team, I didn't say a word out loud. My mind was racing with commentary, though.

targonrotts: As a TDInc member, do you only have to use their tag? I was watching a video on the Delta Society website, and those dogs wear vests. Is that something that varies with each registry as well?

[targonrotts]

in TDInc you must wear your heart shaped dog id tag when doing visits.
you may purchase a vest, bandana, ect...but not mandatory to wear.
i have a vest for Gala. sometimes it helps when people are afraid of the breed.
Dali wears a bandana when he visits.

[Brat Pack]

I own 5 dogs...4 of which do Pet Therapy..3 of which are certified. The 4th will be getting certified once he turns one yrs old. My 2 Rottweilers and Pit Bull get the most attention on visits. Rarely have I met someone that is scared. Of course all mine wear vests and have patches that say they are friendly.